parenting

Our world has become smaller and smaller, in part, because today’s technology helps us communicate in ways we never dreamed possible. On the other hand, there is still a big, wonderful world out there beyond our smartphones and tablets, filled with learning opportunities and exciting adventures. When we travel with our children, we provide them with experiences and lessons they’ll take with them all of their lives.

So if you’re eager to start the next journey with your kids, here are 6 life lessons you can teach your child when on the road:

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How to Change Habits WITHOUT Causing a Food Fight

For every parent who has ever felt the frustration of trying to feed a picky eater without losing their cool, or caving into unhealthy habits, this message is for you.

Here’s what we know – in today’s world, there’s not a lot of EXTRA time to go around. Certainly not enough to make a separate meal for a picky eater or get involved in a power struggle during what could be quality family time.

Fortunately, dealing with testy taste buds doesn’t have to be a struggle for parents. There are practical and even fun ways to get persnickety children to expand their mealtime favorites list without causing a food fight.

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Two minutes after you see a blur of Oliver and Emma scream through the hallway, you hear a major crash in the living room. Immediately, you start berating the kids for running in the house. You head into the room, still yelling, only to find the cat sitting on the end table where the lamp once sat.

You turn around to find your kids staring at you with hurt faces and looks of disbelief that you blamed this on them.

We all make mistakes, and we need to teach our kids – by our own example – to own up to those faults, even when it’s really embarrassing for us.

Or even when we feel provoked by something our kids have done- like when we finally lose it after listening to our kids whine about something for 10 minutes.

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How to help kids build a positive relationship to sleep

As a parent, how do you feel about sleep? Is it something to look forward to? An activity you value like good food and regular exercise? A treat you’d like to have more of?

The answer is probably yes to all of the above–we grown ups welcome the chance to sleep!

Unfortunately, our kids often don’t get that message. The hurried, anxious, go-to-sleep aspect of bedtime comes through loud and clear, and without even realizing it, we send kids the message that sleep is negative, or even a consequence or a punishment.

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